Rainfall over the past week has aided in slowing growth of the Goat Fire which remains at approximately 470 acres in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. The fire is located approximately two (2) miles southeast of the confluence of the Salmon River and the Middle Fork of the Salmon River on the, North Fork Ranger District. At this time, there is no smoke showing on the fire but it is not out. Depending upon future weather conditions, it is possible that fire activity may increase again. If drying weather conditions persist, it is likely the fire will continue to burn in alpine fir patches along rock outcroppings and cliffs.

Due to extremely steep, rugged and inaccessible terrain it is unsafe to place firefighters on the ground. The Forest is managing the Goat Fire under a long‐term plan focusing on firefighter and public safety. This includes monitoring fire activity, preparing a strategy for protection of structures and other values at risk while allowing the fire to play out its natural ecological role in the wilderness, as nearly as possible Salmon‐ Challis National Forest Fire Managers expect the fire to burn throughout the rest of the summer and fall or until a significant weather event occurs.

A trail closure is in place for the Horse Heaven Wilderness Trail (Forest Trail #6172) beginning at the junction with Forest Trail #6021, near Dome Mountain, heading northwest to the end of this trail near the Horse Heaven VABM (#8086), and continuing on the undesignated trail north to the Salmon River. The official order and map of the closure area and other information on the Goat Fire is available at http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4056/.

Goat Fire Update: August 14, 2014DATE OF DETECTION: August 01, 2014 CAUSE: Lightning SIZE: Approximately 470 acresLOCATION: The Goat Fire continues to burn in inaccessible terrain approximately two (2) miles southeast of the confluence of the Salmon River and the Middle Fork of the Salmon River, North Fork Ranger District, Salmon-Challis National Forest.Due to extremely steep, rugged and inaccessible terrain it is unsafe to place firefighters on the ground. Precipitation over the past few days have aided in slowing the fire growth. The fire is burning in alpine fir patches along rock outcroppings and cliffs. A Type 3 team is now managing the Goat Fire under a long-term plan focusing on firefighter and public safety. This includes monitoring fire activity and preparing a strategy for protection of structures and other values at risk as the fire area expands. Salmon-Challis National Forest Fire Managers expect the fire to burn throughout the rest of the summer or until a significant weather event occurs.Fire related traffic and debris flows are adding to existing hazardous driving conditions along the Salmon River Road (030) and the Panther Creek road (055). Visitors are advised to be particularly careful and slow down for blind curves. Stopping distance on rural roads in remote areas can be much greater than needed on primary roads.Wednesday afternoon thunderstorms impacted the Salmon River corridor. Heavy rain in the river breaks area caused two debris blowouts partially blocking the Salmon River Road (Forest Road 030). One flow was in the Colson Creek area and the other near Corn Creek. No injuries or damage were reported. Travel by 4 X 4 vehicles is advised between Colson and Corn Creeks. Road crews expect to have the road cleared by the end of today.Over the past twenty-four hours lightning storms passing through Lemhi County caused 9 small fires ranging from a single tree to approximately one quarter acre. Of these starts four were contained as of Wednesday evening and fire crews are working to contain the others. Fire managers, lookouts, and field crews are on alert for additional starts that may occur as a result of ongoing unsettled weather conditions.A trail closure is in place for the Horse Heaven Wilderness Trail (Forest Trail #6172) beginning at the junction with Forest Trail #6021, near Dome Mountain, heading northwest to the end of this trail near the Horse Heaven VABM (#8086), and continuing on the undesignated trail north to the Salmon River. The official order and map of the closure area and other information on the Goat Fire is available at http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4056/.

LOCATION: The Goat Fire is burning in Goat Creek approximately two (2) miles from the mouth of the Middle Fork of the Salmon River, North Fork Ranger District, Salmon-Challis National Forest.

Due to the extremely steep, rugged and inaccessible terrain and location of the fire, it is unsafe to place firefighters on the ground. Precipitation and water drops from helicopters over the past few days have aided in slowing the fire growth. Mapping shows the fire has covered approximately 469 acres of alpine fir patches along rock outcroppings and cliffs. Resources assigned include 25 fire personnel, four engines and one helicopter. A Type 3 team is transitioning today with initial resources and will take over management of the fire this evening.

Visitors are urged to slow down and watch for oncoming vehicles along the Salmon River Road and Panther Creek Road as there is increased traffic due to fire personnel movement within the river corridor.

The Goat Fire is being managed under a long-term plan focusing on firefighter and public safety. This includes monitoring fire activity and preparing a strategy for protection of structures and other values at risk as the fire area expands. A lookout has been established on the west side of the Middle Fork of the Salmon River and planned actions include prepping campsites along the Middle Fork.

While there is currently little smoke visible from the fire, this may change as the fire grows. Salmon-Challis National Forest Fire Managers expect the fire to burn throughout the rest of the summer or until a significant weather event occurs.

A trail closure is in place for the Horse Heaven Wilderness Trail (Forest Trail #6172) beginning at the junction with Forest Trail #6021, near Dome Mountain, heading northwest to the end of this trail near the Horse Heaven VABM (#8086), and continuing on the undesignated trail north to the Salmon River. The official order and map of the closure area and other information on the Goat Fire is available at http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4056/.

Goat Fire Update August 07, 2014DATE OF DETECTION: August 01, 2014 CAUSE: LightningLOCATION: – The fire is burning in Goat Creek approximately two (2) miles from the mouth ofthe Middle Fork of the Salmon River, North Fork Ranger District; Salmon‐Challis National ForestFire growth on August 6th was minimal growing approximately 20 acres. The total acreage is nowapproximately 366 acres. Helicopter bucket drops were utilized on August 5th to keep the firefrom crossing Goat Creek. The purpose of the bucket work is to try and delay or prevent possibletrail closures in the fire area as well as minimize impacts to Sage Brush lookout.Weather conditions have been somewhat favorable in limiting fire growth. Though limitedprecipitation has occurred over the fire area, cloud cover and higher humidity has helped tomoderate fire behavior and growth.The Goat Fire is being managed under a monitor and point protection strategy. The fire iscurrently burning in stringers of alpine fir amongst rock outcroppings and cliff lines. Providingfor firefighter and public safety is of the highest priority of the Goat Creek Fire Managers. Due tothe extremely steep, rugged, and inaccessible terrain and fire location, currently it isn’t safe tostaff the fire with firefighters. Forest personnel are currently developing long term plans for thisfire with a focus on firefighter and public safety as well as reducing the fire’s impacts to theMiddle Fork and Main Salmon Corridors. Planned actions include prepping campsites along theMiddle Fork of the Salmon River in the event the fire does reach this area.Smoke and fire may be visible from the lower end of the Middle Fork and along the Main SalmonRiver. Salmon‐Challis National Forest Fire Managers expect the fire to continue to burnthroughout the summer or until a significant weather event occurs.There are no trail or area closures at this time. Fire managers are evaluating closure needsbased up fire activity. Visitors should use caution if traveling near the Goat creek and HorseHaven areas. For further information on the Goat fire please visithttp://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4056/

Current Status: Yesterday’s activities were much the same as other days. Tasks are nearing completion in several areas of the fire. The handline developed for contingency near the private land on the lower portion of Nez Perce road is nearly complete, as is brush and snag removal. West of West Fork Rd. crews have made good progress clearing and preparing roads to provide access as the fire approaches. Work continued along the Magruder corridor. Some pumps and hoselays were removed from the area. Crews moved to Nez Perce Pass again Tuesday for safety when winds increased from passing thunderstorms. The north side of the fire in the Cayuse Creek area showed activity again yesterday. Bucket drops were used to address spots and slow the fire’s spread in Cayuse Creek and Blue Joint drainage. Nez Peak was moderately active. A palm IR was flown over the fire to help refine the location of spots and the fire’s leading edge. We also assisted the Bitterroot National Forest with initial attack forces and a K-Max helicopter. Goat and Thirteen firesremain in monitor status. Planned Actions: Actions will be similar to previous days. On Gold Pan fire, work will continue along Magruder road to keep travel routes clear.Crews have nearly completed all contingency lines on the east side of the fire. However, they continue to look for opportunities to improve these lines. Helicopters with bucketswill be used on the leading edge of the fire in the Blue Joint drainage as well as other active areas to reduce the spread of the fire, as long as conditions allow.The Gold Pan Complex is a long term event and will likely be contained when a season ending event occurs. This determination comes from several factors: the ability to provide for safety of firefighters, the lack of moisture in the fuels, the dead trees throughout, the topography in many areas and the lack of measureable precipitation, as well as, its location within the wilderness boundary.

Closures: The road closure order was adjusted Monday, August 26, on the southern boundary of Closure Area Bto allow public access to Deer Creek trail #139. See InciWeb and the Bitterroot National Forest Website for up-to-date Forest Closure map for specifics.

Weather: Today and tomorrow more thunderstorms with rain are expected. As storms passthrough the area there are still likely to be some higher gusts of wind which could increase the fire’s spread. In areas where rain falls it is expected to be “really wet,” according to the Incident Meteorologist.

Cooperating Agencies: Ravalli County Fire Warden, Painted Rocks RFD, West Fork RFD, Ravalli County Sheriffs Dept., Ravalli County Office of Emergency Management, and the American Red Cross.A live web cam is available for viewing if you open the Bitterroot Forest Web Page. Click on the Quick links (right below the Smokey Bear image) you can choose between the two cameras. http://www.fs.usda.gov/bitterroot/ The photo updates every 15 minutes or so. Fire information is also available there as well as on Inciweb: www.inciweb.org .

Current Status: Light precipitation occurred over the fire about 4:00 p.m. Sunday, slightly lessening the fire behavior. 25 lightning strikes were recorded on the fire also. As the storm approached the area winds began to increase fire behavior, causing firefighters to start the structure protection pumps and move up to Nez Perce Pass. Prior to that, work was continuing along the Magruder corridor. The eastern portion of the Gold Pan fire continued to back into the bottom Blue Joint Creek drainage and towards Jack the Ripper Creek. The K-Maxhelicopter was used to slow the spread in Blue Joint Creek. The storm moderated the fire behavior and reduced its progress towards the Magruder road. Primary fire behavior on the Nez Peak is creeping and smoldering. The fire activity near Round Top Mountain was also slowed by the storm. Goat and Thirteen firesare in monitor status.Planned Actions: On Gold Pan fire, work will continue along roads to keep travel routes clear. Buildings have been wrapped and sprinkler systems are in place on bridges and other wooden structures.Crews have completed contingency lines and will work to improve these lines ahead of the fire spread. Actions to slow the fire spread between current fire edge and contingency lines will be taken as opportunities allow. Helicopters with buckets will be used on the leading edge of the fire in the Blue Joint drainage as well as other active areas as long as conditions allow. Goat Fire and Thirteen Fire remain in monitor status. Closures: The road closure order was adjusted today, Monday, August 26, on the southern boundary of Closure Area Bto allow public access to Deer Creek trail #139. See Inciweb and the Bitterroot National Forest Website for up-to-date Forest Closure map for specifics.Weather: Little change in the weather is expected in the next few days. Thunderstorms are still possible, and as storms come through the area there are likely to be some higher gusts of wind. There is no significant longterm relief in the forecasted fire weather conditions.Cooperating Agencies: Ravalli County Fire Warden, Painted Rocks RFD, West Fork RFD, Ravalli County Sheriffs Dept., Ravalli County Office of Emergency Management, and the American Red Cross.

The fire is listed on Inciweb: www.inciweb.org or on the Bitterroot National Forest Website at: http://www.fs.usda.gov/main/bitterroot

Start Date: July 16, 2013 Containment: 0%Cause: Lightning Location: 35 miles SW of Conner, MTCurrent Size: Approximately 35,043 acres (Gold Pan – 34,078; Nez Peak – 953)Resources Assigned: Resources on the fire include 17 engines, 5 helicopters, 2 20-person crews, heavyequipment (skidder, chippers, a large articulating brush cutter and feller buncher) and 4 water tenders (approximately 285 personnel). Additional resources are being ordered as needed. Current Status: The fire behavior yesterday was primarily creeping and smoldering until shortly after noon when it became active. Moderate spotting was observed and spots became easily established. Group tree torching and short uphill runs were observed. The eastern portion of the Gold Pan fire has backed into the bottom Blue Joint Creek drainage. It is anticipated that the north east portion of the Gold Pan fire, will reach the Magruder Road today. Primary fire behavior on the Nez Peak, Goat and Thirteen fires was creeping and smoldering. The fire is still active near Round Mountain with short crowning runs and spot fires.

Planned Actions: On Gold Pan fire, work will continue along roads keeping travel routes clear. Buildings have been wrapped and sprinkler systems are in place on bridges and other wooden structures.Crews will continue to prepare contingency lines ahead of the fire spread. Actions to slow the fire spread between current fire edge and contingency lines will be taken as opportunities allow. Air resources will be used on the leading edge of the fire in the Blue Joint drainage as well as other active areas as long as conditions allow. Goat Fire and Thirteen Fire remain in monitor status.

Closures: The Magruder Road closure area established by the Bitterroot National Forest remains in effect. Inciweb and the Bitterroot National Forest Website provide the up-to-date Forest Closure Map for specifics.Weather: Thunderstorms are still possible over the next few days. As storms come through the area we may experience some higher gusts of wind. There is no significant long-term relief in the forecasted fire weather conditions.

Start Date: July 16, 2013 Containment: 0%Cause: Lightning Location: 35 miles SW of Conner, MTCurrent Size: Approximately 34,992 acres (Gold Pan – 34,027; Nez Peak – 953)A public meeting will be held today, August 24, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at the West Fork Ranger StationResources Assigned: Resources on the fire include 17 engines, 5 helicopters, 2 crews, heavy equipment(skidder, chippers and feller buncher) and 4 water tenders (approximately 260 personnel). Additional resources are being ordered as needed. Current Status: The inversion lifted early yesterday, providing opportunity for more active fire in some areas. The eastern portion of the Gold Pan fire primarily backed further into the Blue Joint Creek. The northern portion of the Gold Pan fire, continued at a moderate rate of spread. Primary fire behavior on the Nez Peak, Goat and Thirteen fires was creeping and smoldering. The fire is still active near Round Mountainwith short crowning runs and spot fires. The Nez Peak fire grew about 300 acres mostly to the south.

Planned Actions: On Gold Pan fire, work will continue along roads keeping travel routes clear and lookingfor opportunities where work and values at risk are commensurate. Crews will continue to prepare contingency lines ahead of the fire spread. Air Resources will be used on the leading edge of the fire in the Blue Joint drainage as well as other active areas. Goat Fire and Thirteen Fire remain in monitor status. Given the current situation in south west Montana, we continue to share resources as requested.

Closures: The Magruder Road closure area established by the Bitterroot National Forest remains in effect. Inciweb and the Bitterroot National Forest Website provide the up-to-date Forest Closure Map for specifics.

Weather: Thunderstorms are possible over the next few days. Temps will be in the 80’s and 90’s with 5-10 mph winds. As storms come through the area we may experience some higher gusts of wind. There is no significant long-term relief in the forecasted fire weather conditions.

Current Status: Once the inversion lifted in the early afternoon yesterday there was moderately active fire behavior with group tree torching, short crown runs and some spotting. The fire burning in the Slow Gulch and Blue Joint areas is slowly moving down slope. As predicted, fire continues to move north/northeast into Cayuse, Scimitar and Gabe Creeks. The fire is active near Round Mtn. with short crowning runs and spot fires.

The Nez Peak fire continued to slowly spread to the east.

Planned Actions: Given weather forecasts, firefighters will continue with established Management Actions. On Gold Pan fire, firefighters will continue to work along roads keeping travel routes clear and look for opportunities where work and values at risk are commensurate. Crews will continue to prepare contingency lines ahead of the fire spread. Operations will explore safe opportunities for direct attack on the leading edge of the fire in Blue Joint drainage. Goat Fire and Thirteen Fire remain in monitor status.

Given the current situation in south west Montana, we continue to share air resources as requested.

Closures: The Magruder Road closure area established by the Bitterroot National Forest remains in effect. Inciweb and the Bitterroot National Forest Website provide the up-to-date Forest Closure Map for specifics.

Weather: Temperatures will moderate some for the next few days with the current weather patterns. Today the potential for thunderstorms returns in the afternoon. The inversion should lift in the early afternoon providing opportunity for increased fire activity. Should thunderstorms occur, the possibility of outflow wind gusts up to 40 mph remains. There is no significant long-term relief in the forecasted fire weather conditions.

Current Status: Once the inversion lifted today moderately active fire behavior was seen. Growth continues to be seen in the Slow Gulch area east to the State line. The fire burned approximately 395 acres over the ridge on the Montana side. As predicted it continues to move north/northeast into Cayuse, Scimitar and Gabe Creeks. Short crowning runs and spot fires near Round Mtn. caused firefighters to pull back up the Magruder Rd. The Nez Peak fire continued to slowly spread to the east. Spotting continues to occur ahead of the existing fires.

Planned Actions: Given weather forecasts, firefighters will continue with established Management Actions. On Gold Pan fire, firefighters will continue to snag along roads keeping travel routes clear and look for opportunities where work and values at risk are commensurate. Crews will continue to prepare contingency lines ahead of the fire spread. Due to safety concerns, only air resources are being used on the Nez Peak fire.

The Goat Fire and Thirteen Fire remain in monitor status. While some moisture is predicted today and tomorrow, there is no significant relief in the forecasted fire weather conditions.

Given the current situation in south west Montana, we continue to share air resources as requested.

Closures: The Magruder Road closure area established by the Bitterroot National Forest remains in effect. Inciweb and the Bitterroot National Forest Website provide the up-to-date Forest Closure Map for specifics.

Weather: Temperatures will continue in the 70’s over most of the higher elevations of the fire and in the low 90’s in the valleys for the next few days. Inversions will lift early to mid afternoons providing opportunity for increase in fire activity. The fire area is included in the Red Flag Warning that was issued today for thunderstorms and possible outflow wind gusts up to 40 mph.

Start Date: July 16, 2013 Containment: 0%Cause: Lightning Location: 35 miles SW of Conner, MTCurrent Size: Approximately 29,737 acres Resources Assigned: Resources on the fire include 17 engines, 4 helicopters, 2 crews, 4dozers and 4 water tenders (approximately 274 personnel). Additional resources are being ordered as needed. Current Status: Growth was seen in the Slow Gulch area east to the State line with some spotting ahead over the ridge on the Montana side. It continues to move north/northeast into Cayuse, Scimitar and Gabe Creeks. The Nez Peak fire continued to slowly spread to the east.

Some spots have been identified ahead of the existing fires. Planned Actions: Given weather forecasts, firefighters will continue with established Management Actions. On Gold Pan fire,firefighters will continue to work along the Magruder Road to prepare lines ahead of the fire spread and clear roadways of snags and other debris within the Wilderness Boundary for safe travel. Outside the Wilderness boundary mechanized equipment is being used along some roads to create a wider control line should it be needed.

West of West Fork Road near Painted Rocks Lake crews are evaluating and improving road access. Air resources are being used on the Nez Peak fire. While some moisture is predicted for later in the week, there is no significant relief in the forecasted fire weather conditions.

Given the current situation in south west Montana, we will continue to share air resources as requested.

Closures: The Magruder Road closure area established by the Bitterroot National Forest remains in effect. Inciweb or the Bitterroot National Forest Website provide the up-to-date Forest Closure Map for specifics.

Weather: Temperatures will again remain in the 70’s over most of the higher elevations of the fire and in the low 90’s in the valleys for the next few days. Inversions are expected to lift early to mid afternoons providing opportunity for increase in fire activity.

Start Date: July 16, 2013 Containment: 0%Cause: Lightning Location: 35 miles SW of Conner, MTCurrent Size: Approximately 28,332 acres Gold Pan Complex Information Phone Number: 406-349-0163Resources Assigned: Resources on the fire include 17 engines, 4 helicopters, 3 crews, 3 dozers and 4 water tenders (approximately 280 personnel). Additional resources are being ordered as needed. Current Status: As expected some growth was seen primarily to the east in the Grass Gulch area and from the head of Vance Creek into Lazy Creek. The fire is also beginning to spread into Slow Gulch from Lazy Creek along the East Fork of Magruder Creek north of Kim Creek Saddle. It continues to move north/northeast into Cayuse and Scimitar Creeks. The Nez Peak fire continued to slowly spread to the east.

Planned Actions: There is no significant relief in the forecasted fire weather conditions. The Incident Meteorologist is predicting a localized red flag warning in the fire area to be issued today for low RH’s and high Haines Index. Crews and engines will continue to work along the Magruder Road to prepare lines ahead of the fire spread. Primary fire spread will continue to be to the east and southeast, approaching the wilderness boundary.

Closures: The Magruder Road closure area established by the Bitterroot National Forest remains in effect. Inciweb provides the up-to-date Forest Closure Map for specifics.

Weather: Temperatures will remain in the 70’s over most of the higher elevations of the fire and in the low 90’s in the valleys for the next few days. Inversions are expected to lift in early afternoon providing opportunity for increase in fire activity.

Gold Pan Complex August 19,2013Start Date: July 16, 2013 Issue date: August 19, 2013 Cause: Lightning Location: 35 miles SW of Conner, MT Current Size: Approximately 27,034 acres Containment: 0% Gold Pan Complex Information Phone Number: 406-349-0163Resources Assigned: The Northern Rockies Type 1 IMT, lead by Doug Turman, assumed command of the fire today at 6:00 a.m. Resources on the fire include 17 engines, 4 helicopters, 4 crews, and 4 water tenders (approximately 233 personnel). Additional resources are being ordered as needed. Current Status: Sunday afternoon the fire remained moderately active. Some growth was seen primarily to the east in the Grass Gulch area and from the head of Vance Creek into Lazy Creek. The fire is also beginning to spread into Slow Gulch from Lazy Creek along the East Fork of Magruder Creek north of Kim Creek Saddle. It continues to move north/northeast into Cayuse and Scimitor Creeks. The Nez Peak fire continued to slowly spread to the east. Planned Actions: Management actions will continue to be similar to the past two days. Crews and engines will continue to work along the Magruder Road. Divisions will continue to scout/recon looking for opportunities to assist in preparation for potential spread. Closures: The closure area established by the Bitterroot National Forest remains in effect. Inciweb provides the up-to-date Forest Closure Map for specifics.Weather: Temperatures will remain in the 70’s over most of the higher elevations of the fire and in the low 90’s in the valleys for the next few days. Inversions are expected to lift in early afternoon providing opportunity for increase in fire activity. Cooperating Agencies: Ravalli County Fire Warden, Painted Rocks RFD, West Fork RFD, Ravalli County Sheriffs Dept., Ravalli County Office of Emergency Management, and the American Red Cross.The fire is listed on Inciweb: www.inciweb.org

Contact: Public Information Officers: Bob MacGregor, Glenda ScottPhone: 406-349-0163What:Gold Pan Complex (Gold Pan, Nez Peak, Thirteen, and Goat Fires)Cause: LightningLocation: 35 miles SW of Darby, MT. in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness in Idaho. Jurisdiction: Bitterroot National Forest – West Fork Ranger DistrictSize: 27,034 acres. The Bitterroot National Forest has expanded the Closure Area around the fire to include the following areas: Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness Areas and Selway Bitterroot Wilderness (North and South) of Magruder Road Corridor and south of Tough Creek Road and south of Barecone Lookout back to Salmon Mountain Lookout. The road block on the east end of Magruder Road has been moved from Fales Flat to the Krueger Ranch (approximately 3 miles west of the intersection with the West Fork Road), the road closure remains at Observation Point on the west end. Look on Inciweb for an updated Forest Closure Map.Things were much quieter on the Gold Pan Complex on Saturday. After the large fire spread on Friday managers were concerned that forecasted similar weather conditions would spur another push. However the inversion hung in until the late afternoon on Saturday, trapping smoke from fires on the Nez Perce National Forest close to the ground and shading the fuels on the Gold Pan Complex inhibiting fire expansion. Lighter than forecasted winds also contributed to decreased fire behavior. Quieter conditions allowed firefighters to assess the movement of the Gold Pan fire from Friday; on the east side it has reached the western edge of the Lazy Creek drainage about a mile east of the Hells Half Acre Road. The fire has also moved along the slope north of Magruder Road near the old CCC Camp. North of Kim Creek Saddle the fire has moved north up the East Fork Creek drainage. Fire behavior was limited to occasional single tree torching and surface fire on Saturday. Crews continued working on keeping the Magruder Road open for fire traffic (it remains closed to the public) and looking for opportunities for direct action.The Nez Peak fire was also quiet on Saturday; it has remained on the high ridge to the north and east of Nez Perce Peak. The fire is about one mile to the west of the Idaho/Montana border. This fire has been slowed by concentrated helicopter water drops but helicopter work was limited on Saturday due to the smoky conditions. An infra-red heat detection flight on early Saturdaymorning showed this fire to be at 208 acres. The Goat and Thirteen fires, the other two fires in this complex, remained at 14 and 1 acre respectively. Both of these fires are surrounded by the old fire scar of the 2012 Mustang fire and open rocky slopes that will limit their future growth. Their movements are being tracked by aerial monitoring.Crews continued to work on the contingency lines well to the east of the fire. They are assessing roads for access, looking for water sources, placing pumps, laying hoses and getting familiar with the local topography. Residents should expect to see fire crews and engines in their neighborhoods, this work is important to being prepared if the fire does come out of the Wilderness into the front country. Structure protection personnel worked with local landowners to implement FireWise procedures. We encourage local landowners to take action to protect their property by following the FireWise guidelines contained in the link at the end of this Update.A helicopter attached to the Gold Pan Complex assisted Bitterroot Forest personnel on an initial attack near Watchtower Lake. A hot-shot crew will be loaned to the initial attack effort today to try and insure that this small fire gets no bigger. This type of cooperation makes firefighting efforts much more successful.Today’s weather should result in continued limited fire behavior. The inversion will not break until late in the afternoon creating smoky conditions for valley residents but reducing fire spread. Temperatures will be in the 80s and humidity in the teens. Light terrain driven winds (upslope and upvalley) will not favor large fire expansion. Long-term forecasts are projecting chances for precipitation on Wednesday or Thursday which would be a boon to firefighting efforts.Doug Turman’s Northern Rockies Type 1 Management Team will be shadowing Hutton’s Team today and will assume command of the Complex at 6 am on Monday.Closures: An emergency closure order is in place for all Forest Service roads and trails within and surrounding the fire. View the closure order/map athttp://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3538/. There is also a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) over the fire. For the latest fire information/photos go to: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3538/Stay in touch with the Bitterroot National Forest through www.facebook.com/DiscoverTheBitterroot and www.twitter.com/BitterrootNF. Email Goldpan13@gmail.com to receive this information electronically. For information about preparing for potential evacuations see: http://rc.mt.gov/content/sheriff/documents/EmergencyEvacuation and www.Redcross.org/safeandwell . For instructions on making defensible space around your home see: http://www.firewise.org/

Contact: Public Information Officers: Bob MacGregor, Glenda ScottPhone: 406-349-0163What:Gold Pan Complex (Gold Pan, Nez Peak, Thirteen, and Goat Fires) Cause: LightningLocation: 35 miles SW of Darby, MT. in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness in Idaho. Jurisdiction: Bitterroot National Forest – West Fork Ranger DistrictSize: 26,169 acres. The Bitterroot National Forest has expanded the Closure Area around the fire to include the following areas: South of Watchtower Lake and the Boulder Creek Trail (#617), west of Painted Rocks Reservoir and North of Woods Creek Pass. The road block on the east end of Magruder Road has been moved from Fales Flat to the Krueger Ranch (approximately 3 miles west of the intersection with the West Fork Road), the road closure remains at Observation Point on the west end. Look on Inciweb for an updated Forest Closure Map. The Gold Pan Complex increased in acreage by 40% on Friday, the majority of the growth occurring on the Gold Pan fire. That fire was pushed by southwest and westerly winds that in combination with 90 degree temperatures and 9% relative humidity created optimal conditions for fire escalation. The fire crossed the Hells Half Acre Road just to the south of Vance Saddle and continued for a mile further east. The spot on the north side of Magruder Road, near the old CCC Camp, that was first detected on Thursday afternoon became well established on Friday and expanded around the Old Warriors Face landmark. The fire also grew north of Kim Creek Saddle in the East Fork Creek drainage. Crews worked to keep the Magruder Road open for firefighting equipment (it remains closed to the public) and did suppression work on the spot north of the road until extreme fire behavior threatened to compromise their safety. The Nez Peak fire also moved to the east on Friday, staying up on the ridge and wrapping around a previously created helibase. Helicopter bucket drops of water slowed the progress of the fire and it remains a mile to the west of the State Line/Wilderness Boundary. This fire is now approximately 280 acres in size. The Nez Peak Fire was first detected Wednesday and is on the northeast side of Nez Perce Peak two miles northwest of the intersection of the Magruder Road and Hells Half Acre road. The Thirteen fire, eight miles south of the Gold Pan fire near Thirteen Mountain, remained at one acre and is being monitored from the air. The Goat fire grew slightly to 14 acres but it and the Thirteen fire are still being constrained by rocky terrain and the fire scar of the 2012 Mustang fire. The Goat fire is on the east side of Goat Mountain and is also being monitored by aerial resources. Crews continued to work on the contingency lines well to the east of the fire. Hand crews, a feller-buncher and engines are all involved in this work to strengthen this line and improve structure protection. Today’s weather will be slightly improved in favor of firefighting efforts but will still present conditions that could sustain fire growth. High temperatures will only be in the mid-80s and humidity will be in the teens. Winds speeds will be less today on Friday but will still be steady from the southwest and west at 5 to 10 mph. There is a slight chance of thunderstorms developing in the afternoon. A public meeting was held at the West Fork Ranger Station on Friday night with an excellent attendance of over 60 people. Speakers addressed topics including the present state of the fire, the long term prognosis and how to prepare for possible evacuations. Our Team and the Bitterroot National Forest would like to thank all attendees for their polite attention and well thought out questions.Closures: An emergency closure order is in place for all Forest Service roads and trails within and surrounding the fire. View the closure order/map at http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3538/. There is also a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) over the fire. For the latest fire information/photos go to: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3538/ Stay in touch with the Bitterroot National Forest through www.facebook.com/DiscoverTheBitterroot and www.twitter.com/BitterrootNF. Email Goldpan13@gmail.com to receive this information electronically. For information about preparing for potential evacuations see: http://rc.mt.gov/content/sheriff/documents/EmergencyEvacuation and www.Redcross.org/safeandwell . For instructions on making defensible space around your home see: http://www.firewise.org/

Contact: Public Information Officers: Bob MacGregor, Glenda ScottPhone: 406-349-0163What:Gold Pan Complex (Gold Pan, Nez Peak, Thirteen, and Goat Fires)Cause: LightningLocation: 35 miles SW of Darby, MT. in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness in Idaho. Jurisdiction: Bitterroot National Forest – West Fork Ranger DistrictSize: 18,059 acres. Public Meeting: Friday August 16 at 6:30 p.m. to update residents on the current fire status including the fire activity at Nez Peak that is near the wilderness boundary. The meeting will occur at the Forest Service’s West Fork Ranger Station at 6735 West Fork Road.Summary: A Red Flag Warning will be in effect from noon today to 9 pm for gusty winds and low humidity. Aided by 96 degree temperatures and an abnormally low humidity of 5% the Gold Pan fire ate up some significant acreage Thursday. The largest gains were in the Grassy Gulch and Lunch Creek areas west of the Hells Half Lookout where the unburned fuels in the basin below the lookout torched. The fire also spotted across to the north side of the Magruder Road near the old CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) camp late on Thursday afternoon. Instability of the late afternoon air prevented helicopters from dropping water on the spots. In the Kim Creek Saddle area the fire started to reach the crowns of the trees but did not make significant runs. This area continues to contain a lot of heat. The Magruder Road continues to be closed to public traffic within the fire area. Helicopters were effective in the morning in slowing the growth of the Nez Peak fire; four helicopters dropped water in rotation and kept the fire on the top of the ridge line. This fire is now approximately 80 acres in size. The Nez Peak Fire was detected Wednesday and is on the northeast side of Nez Perce Peak two miles northwest of the intersection of the Magruder Road and Hells Half Acre road. It is one mile west of the wilderness boundary. The terrain is steep and riddled with snags and bug killed trees. Fire managers could not find a safe location to insert hand-crews. The one-acre Thirteen fire was detected on Tuesday and is eight miles south of the Gold Pan fire near Thirteen Mountain. The Goat fire is 13 acres and is monitored from reconnaissance flights and the lookout; it continues to have some smoke. Both of these fires are surrounded by rocky terrain and the 2012 Mustang fire area and have limited potential for growth.With today’s foreboding weather forecast safety of firefighters and the public will be in the forefront of all actions. If crews cannot do an activity safely then they will not engage. Firefighters will patrol the Magruder Road and assess control measures for the spots near the old CCC camp. Helicopter water drops may be used on both the Gold Pan and Nez Peak fires. A hand crew and three engines will be assigned to assessing structure protection and strengthening the contingency line east of the Wilderness boundary.The Gold Pan and Nez Peak fires could make significant runs today pushed by a frontal system passage with gusty southwest to west winds. There will likely be smoky conditions in the West Fork and Bitterroot Valley areas. The weather today will be hot and continued dry due to the high pressure hanging over the area. There are four helicopters assigned to the Gold Pan Complex. Crews will continue to assist the Bitterroot NF and surrounding National Forests in initial attack as well as share the assigned helicopters for water drops. New fire detections are increasing with the hot, dry weather.Closures: An emergency closure order is in place for all Forest Service roads and trails within and surrounding the fire. View the closure order/map athttp://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3538/. There is also a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) over the fire. For the latest fire information/photos go to: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3538/ Stay in touch with the Bitterroot National Forest through www.facebook.com/DiscoverTheBitterroot and www.twitter.com/BitterrootNF. Email Goldpan13@gmail.com to receive this information electronically.

Contact: Public Information Officers: Bob MacGregor, Glenda ScottPhone: 406-349-0163 / Cell: 603-568-9893, 406-529-2308What:Gold Pan Complex (Gold Pan, Nez Peak, Thirteen, and Goat Fires)Cause: LightningLocation: 35 miles SW of Darby, MT. in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness in Idaho. Jurisdiction: Bitterroot National Forest – West Fork Ranger DistrictSize: 17,233 acres. Public Meeting: Friday August 16 at 6:30 p.m. to update residents on the current fire status including the fire activity at Nez Peak that is near the wilderness boundary. Arrangements are being made and will be published on Inciweb and through e-mail when finalized.Summary: Two new lightning-caused wildfires (Thirteen and Nez Peak fires) were added to the Gold Pan Complex on Wednesday. All fires are within the wilderness; a plan is in place for actions if fire movement is expected to leave the wilderness. The lightning caused Nez Peak Fire was spotted Wednesday and is on the northeast side of Nez Perce Peak two miles northwest of the intersection of the Magruder Road and Hells Half Acre road. It is one mile west of the wilderness boundary and estimated at 25 acres. Heavy helicopters were dropping water on the fire until late into the evening in an effort to slow the fire. We will continue to aggressively suppress the fire with continued water drops today. The terrain is steep and riddled with snags and bug killed trees. Crew supervisors are evaluating the ability to safely deploy ground crews in to directly attack the fire. Crews are ready to go in where it is safe to position them.The Gold Pan fire at 17,219 acres, showed more fire activity after the inversion lifted around 1 p.m. when temperatures increased and relative humidity decreased. There continues to be individual and group tree torching throughout the fire area although there was limited growth of the perimeter. Fire was active in the Kim Creek Saddle area consuming fuels in green patches. Smoke and tree torching continues south of the Magruder Road and a 2-acre burnout was conducted to reduce the chance of spotting across the road. The southeast portion of the fire in the Grassy Gulch area continues to burn up short slopes pushed by upslope winds. Helicopter water drops were used to cool some hot areas. Actions today will be similar to yesterday with patrolling for spot fires in the Gold Pan fire will be concentrated on catching any spot fires that develop north of Magruder Road and keeping the Corridor open to fire traffic by clearing any falling snags. The Magruder Road continues to be closed to public traffic within the fire area. Fire crews will be patrolling for spot fires along the east flank to keep the fire west of the Hells Half road. The one-acre Thirteen fire was detected on Tuesday and is eight miles south of the Gold Pan fire near Thirteen Mountain. It is within the 2012 Mustang fire area where there is limited chance for the fire to spread due to the past fire scar. The Goat fire is 13 acres and is monitored from reconnaissance flights and the lookout; it continues to have some smoke but is surrounded by rocky terrain which is limiting its ability to spread.Fire crews and assigned helicopters assisted the West Fork District and surrounding National Forests with initial attack responding to five new fires in four hours. The weather today will be hot and continued dry due to the high pressure hanging over the area. Fire activity will increase with the drying conditions. Fire managers are preparing for the weather forecast of a cold front expected on Saturday which may cause strong southwest and westerly winds beginning Friday, and work in conjunction with the dry conditions to move the fire. There is the potential to push the main Gold Pan fire in the southeast where green forests are ahead of the fire. The Nez Peak Fire has the potential to move towards Cayuse Creek, and to Sheephead Creek outside the Wilderness boundary.Nez Peak fire Wednesday afternoon There are four helicopters assigned to the Gold Pan Complex. Crews will continue to assist the Bitterroot NF and surrounding National Forests in initial attack as well as share the assigned helicopters for water drops. New fire detections are increasing with the hot, dry weather.Closures: An emergency closure order is in place for all Forest Service roads and trails within and surrounding the fire. View the closure order/map athttp://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3538/. There is also a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) over the fire. For the latest fire information/photos go to: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3538/ Stay in touch with the Bitterroot National Forest through www.facebook.com/DiscoverTheBitterroot and www.twitter.com/BitterrootNF. Email Goldpan13@gmail.com to receive this information electronically.

Public meeting at the West Fork Ranger District (US Forest Service), 6735 West Fork Road on Friday, August 16th at 6:30 pm to talk about the changing fire behavior and upcoming passage of a frontal system. The West Fork Ranger Station is located 18 miles south of Darby, Mt. along the West Fork of the Bitterroot River.

Contact: Public Information Officers: Bob MacGregor, Glenda ScottPhone: 406-349-0163 / Cell: 603-568-9893, 406-529-2308What:Gold Pan Complex (Gold Pan & Goat Fires)Cause: LightningLocation: 35 miles SW of Darby, MT. in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness in Idaho. Jurisdiction: Bitterroot National Forest – West Fork Ranger DistrictSize: 17,182 acres. Summary: The Gold Pan Complex grew a total of 19 acres on Tuesday. Fire activity continued to be limited by fuel moistures. Fire Behavior Analyst Risa Lange-Navarro observed the fire trying to develop a column on the ridge north of Grassy Gulch and commented; “the column of smoke was just starting to build to try and make a short run and then it would fall apart as it hit moister fuels”. Crews conducted a three acre burnout on a small island of unburned timber on the south side of the Magruder Road. They also burned piles of slash created during the process of dropping hazardous snags at the Deep Creek Campground. Burning these piles will rob the fire of concentrated fuels if it makes another push to cross to the north side of the Magruder Road. Firefighters also rehabilitated the suppression lines created when crews worked feverishly to catch spot fires north of Magruder Road during the fire’s advance on July 30. Rehabilitation includes obliterating evidence of ground disturbance so the area will retain its wilderness character. Fire managers remain wary of the potential of the fire due to the high concentrations of unburned fuel to the east, the predicted hotter and drier weather forecast for the end of the week and the fact that we are still early in the traditional fire season. The hottest areas are found on the ridge north of Grassy Gulch in the southeast end of the fire, along Deep Creek south of the Magruder Road and in the drainage north of Kim Creek Saddle. The ability of the fire to push too far to the south is limited by the 2012 Mustang Fire which eliminated many of the fuels in that direction. A heavy helicopter was loaned from the Gold Pan Complex to the neighboring Nez Perce National Forest to assist them with initial attack on some new small fire starts. Cooperation between different Agencies and jurisdictions is a hallmark of the firefighting efforts across the country. Today’s weather forecast calls for a continued warming and drying trend, this will likely result in increased fire behavior on Wednesday. Temperatures for Wednesday will push 90 degrees in the valleys and the upper 70s on the ridge tops with humidity in the teens and perhaps reaching the single digits. Winds on the ridges will be from the southwest at 3 to 6 mph with gusts up to 12 mph while winds on the slopes will generally push upslope and upvalley at similar speeds. Today’s operations will be concentrated on catching any spot fires that develop north of Magruder Road and keeping the Corridor open to fire traffic by clearing any falling snags, the Magruder Road continues to be closed to public traffic within the fire area. Culvert replacement on Scimitar Creek and grading of the road between Nez Perce Pass and Magruder Crossing will be on-going today and will be closely coordinated with fire operations. The Goat fire is located southeast of Salmon Mountain lookout. The growth potential of this fire is limited because it is surrounded by bare rock terrain. Smoke was still being emitted from this fireon Tuesday.Closures: An emergency closure order is in place for all Forest Service roads and trails within and surrounding the fire. View the closure order/map athttp://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3538/. There is also a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) over the fire. For the latest fire information/photos go to: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3538/ Stay in touch with the Bitterroot National Forest through www.facebook.com/DiscoverTheBitterroot and www.twitter.com/BitterrootNF. Email Goldpan13@gmail.com to receive this information electronically

Contact: Public Information Officers: Bob MacGregor, Glenda ScottPhone: 406-349-0163 / Cell: 603-568-9893, 406-529-2308What:Gold Pan Complex (Gold Pan & Goat Fires)Cause: LightningLocation: 35 miles SW of Darby, MT. in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness in Idaho. Jurisdiction: Bitterroot National Forest – West Fork Ranger DistrictSize: 17,163 acres. Summary: After a day of transitioning with Greg Poncin’s Type 1 Incident Management Team, Diane Hutton’s Wildland Fire Management Team assumed command of the Gold Pan Complex at 6 a.m. Tuesday morning. Poncin’s Team did a great job in taking advantage of the weather, including the .66 inches of rain on August 1st and the accompanying higher humidity since then to keep the fire west of the Hells Half Acre Road and south of the Magruder Corridor and to build a contingency line between the active flame front and private lands to the east. Fire managers remain wary of the potential of the fire due to the high concentrations of unburned fuel to the east, the predicted hotter and drier weather forecast for the end of the week and the fact that we are still early in the traditional fire season. The fire increased 13 acres in size on Monday as activity picked up after 2:00 in the afternoon and continued into early evening. The hottest areas are found on the ridge north of Grassy Gulch in the southeast end of the fire, along Deep Creek south of the Magruder Road and in the drainage north of Kim Creek Saddle. The ability of the fire to push too far to the south is limited by the 2012 Mustang Fire which eliminated many of the fuels in that direction.Today’s weather forecast calls for an increasing chance of thundershowers in the afternoon. A southwesterly air flow has increased the chance that these storms will drop rain on the fire area. Temperatures for Tuesday will be in the 80’s in the valleys and 70’s on the ridge tops with humidity in the low twenties to upper teens. Winds on the ridges will be from the southwest at 3 to 6 mph with gusts up to 15 mph while winds on the slopes will generally push upslope and upvalley at similar speeds. Today’s operations will be concentrated on catching any spot fires that develop north of Magruder Road and keeping the Corridor open by clearing any falling snags. Culvert replacement on Scimitar Creek will began today and will be closely coordinated with fire operations. The Goat fire is located southeast of Salmon Mountain lookout. The growth potential of this fire is limited because it is surrounded by bare rock terrain. Limited flames and smoke were observed on this fire during an aerial observation on Monday.Closures: An emergency closure order is in place for all Forest Service roads and trails within and surrounding the fire. View the closure order/map athttp://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3538/. There is also a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) over the fire. For the latest fire information/photos go to: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3538/ Stay in touch with the Bitterroot National Forest through www.facebook.com/DiscoverTheBitterroot and www.twitter.com/BitterrootNF. Email Goldpan13@gmail.com to receive this information electronically.

Contact: Thomas Kempton, Dixie Dies Phone: 406-349-0163What:Gold Pan Complex (Gold Pan & Goat Fires)Cause: Lightning, July 16, 2013Location: 35 miles SW of Darby, MT. in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness in Idaho. Jurisdiction: Bitterroot National Forest – West Fork Ranger District Diane Hutton’s Northern Rockies Wildland Fire Management Team worked with Poncin’s team today in preparation for assuming management of the fire at 6 a.m. Tuesday morning.To date Poncin’s team has been able to meet the objective of keeping the fire south of Magruder road, west of Paradise road, and west of Hells Half Acre road within the wilderness boundary. The fire remains unchecked on the south side, and on the west side of Magruder Road near Kim Creek Saddle. These areas have no safe location for firefighters to engage the fire on the ground. The trend in warmer, dryer weather into the low 90’s by week’s end will likely see increased fire activity each day, with associated fire spread expected to increase in these areas as this trend continues. Snag hazards remain a serious threat to firefighter safety as many trees within the burn that appear alive with green needles have burned out root systems, and they can easily fall to the ground, often without any wind.

A webcam installed yesterday at Hells Half Acre Lookout is being tested for webcam broadcasting. When it becomes operational, a web link will be provided in this update and in Inciweb.Magruder road remains closed from Fales Flat campground on the east and Observation Point (Idaho) on the west. Fales Flat campground remains open to the public.Incident status: 278 personnel, three Type 1 crews, one Type 2 crew, four helicopters, 4 engines, 17,163 acres, cost to date $6 million.Closures: An emergency closure order is in place for all Forest Service roads and trails within and surrounding the fire. View the closure order/map athttp://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3538/. There is also a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) over the fire. For the latest fire information/photos go to: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3538/ Stay in touch with the Bitterroot National Forest through www.facebook.com/DiscoverTheBitterroot and www.twitter.com/BitterrootNF. Email Goldpan13@gmail.com to receive this information electronically.

This will be the last update from Greg Poncin’s Northern Rockies Incident Management Team. Further updates will come from Diane Hutton’s Wildland Fire Management Team.

Contact: Thomas Kempton, Dixie Dies Phone: 406-349-0163What:Gold Pan Complex (Gold Pan & Goat Fires)Cause: Lightning, July 16, 2013Location: 35 miles SW of Darby, MT. in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness in Idaho. Jurisdiction: Bitterroot National Forest – West Fork Ranger District Isolated thunderstorms will pass through the area again today, but there will only be a 20% chance of rain. Temperatures in the afternoon will be up to 88 degrees, with humidity in the upper teens to low 20% range.

Diane Hutton’s Northern Rockies Fire Management Team will work with Poncin’s team today in preparation for assuming management of the fire Tuesday morning.To date Poncin’s team has been able to meet the objective of keeping the fire south of Magruder road, west of Paradise road, and west of Hells Half Acre road within the wilderness boundary. The fire remains unchecked on the south side, and on the west side of Magruder Road near Kim Creek Saddle. These areas have no safe location for firefighters to engage the fire on the ground. The trend in warmer, dryer weather into the low 90’s by week’s end will likely see increased fire activity each day, with associated fire spread expected to increase in these areas as this trend continues. Micro-bursts from Friday’s thunderstorm that brought down trees on the Magruder Road were more widespread than originally identified. Additional recon of the area found both burned and green trees were uprooted and snapped off in the Hells Half Acre Creek area east of Horsejaw Mountain, and green trees came down in the Paradise area. Snag hazards remain a serious threat to firefighter safety as many trees within the burn that appear alive with green needles have burned out root systems, and they can easily fall to the ground, often without any wind.

Firefighters will continue mop up operations along the Magruder Road, moving around the northeast corner of the fire and south along fire line constructed towards trail No. 12.

A webcam installed yesterday at Hells Half Acre Lookout is being tested for webcam broadcasting. When it becomes operational, a web link will be provided in this update and in Inciweb.Magruder road remains closed from Fales Flat campground on the east and Observation Point (Idaho) on the west. Fales Flat campground remains open to the public.Incident status: 266 personnel, three Type 1 crews, one Type 2 crew, four helicopters, 8 engines, 17,150 acres, cost to date $5.8 million.

Contact: Thomas Kempton, Dixie Dies Phone: 406-349-0163What:Gold Pan Complex (Gold Pan & Goat Fires)Cause: Lightning, July 16, 2013Location: 35 miles SW of Darby, MT. in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness in Idaho. Jurisdiction: Bitterroot National Forest – West Fork Ranger District A Red Flag warning remains in effect until 11 p.m. tonight.Although thunderstorms have passed near the fire today, no storms moved over the fire, and there has been no precipitation over the fire area. Smoke that drifted into the area yesterdayevening from large fires in southern Idaho settled over the fire area last night. As a result, an inversion over the fire area did not lift until afternoon, and fire activity was generally subdued throughout the day. Smoke may continue to drift into the area from the southern Idaho fires. For current air quality conditions in the Bitterroot Valley, go to http://tinyurl.com/k4knopk.Firefighters continued line holding and mop up operations along the Magruder Road and on the fire line from the road south to Trail No. 12. Snags coming down in the road are one of the major hazards to firefighters at this time in the fire operation. The fire remains unchecked on the south side and continues to burn. It is also unchecked on the west side of Magruder Road near Kim Creek Saddle. These areas have no safe location for firefighters to engage the fire on the ground.

Diane Hutton’s Northern Rockies Fire Management Team will return to take over management of the fire early next week. Some members of her team arrived today to go out on the fire lines to begin to familiarize themselves with what has taken place since they turned the fire over to Poncin’s team on July 31st.

A webcam installed yesterday at Hells Half Acre Lookout is being tested for webcam broadcasting. When it becomes operational, a web link will be provided in this update and in Inciweb.Magruder road remains closed from Fales Flat campground on the east and Observation Point (Idaho) on the west. Fales Flat campground remains open to the public.Incident status: 266 personnel, three Type 1 crews, one Type 2 crews, four helicopters, 8 engines, 17,149 acres, cost to date $5.8 million.

August 11, 2013 9 a.m. Contact: Thomas Kempton, Dixie Dies Phone: 406-349-0163What:Gold Pan Complex (Gold Pan & Goat Fires)Cause: Lightning, July 16, 2013Location: 35 miles SW of Darby, MT. in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness in Idaho. Jurisdiction: Bitterroot National Forest – West Fork Ranger District Another Red Flag warning has been posted by the National Weather Service today from 12 noon to 11 p.m. tonight. This could be the busiest day yet for thunderstorm activity over the Gold Pan Fire Complex according to Incident Meteorologist Tim Sedlock. An increased chance of lightning is predicted for today, creating a hazard for firefighters on the fire lines. There may be rain with some of these storms.

Smoke that drifted over the fire area late yesterday afternoon and continued into the Bitterroot Valley was not from this fire, but from the Pony Complex Fire northeast of Mountain Home, Idaho. Go to http://tinyurl.com/k4knopk to find out current air quality in the Bitterroot Valley.Yesterday’s thunderstorms produced no rain over the fire area, but there was lightning in the surrounding areas of the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness and the Bitterroot Valley. Most fire movement was in Lunch Creek and Grass Gulch on the southeast side of the fire.

Firefighters will continue “snagging” (snag removal) along the Magruder Road as well as mop up on the south side of the road. Crews will be patrolling the hand line from Magruder Road to Trail No. 12 south of Pole Mountain. Interior “jackpots” (unburned stands of trees/logs/ground vegetation) will continue to burn within the main fire area. However, if thunderstorms with downdraft winds move over the fire, this could produce spotting up to a distance of one mile.A webcam was installed yesterday at Hells Half Acre Lookout. When it becomes operational, a web link will be provided in this update and in Inciweb.Magruder road remains closed from Fales Flat campground on the east and Observation Point (Idaho) on the west. Fales Flat campground remains open to the public.Incident status: 346 personnel, three Type 1 crews, three Type 2 crews, six helicopters, 8 engines, 17,132 acres, cost to date $5.5 million.

Contact: Thomas Kempton, Dixie Dies Phone: 406-349-0163What:Gold Pan Complex (Gold Pan & Goat Fires)Cause: Lightning, July 16, 2013Location: 35 miles SW of Darby, MT. in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness in Idaho. Jurisdiction: Bitterroot National Forest – West Fork Ranger District A fire information meeting was held today for the residents of West Fork and Painted Rocks areas at the Gold Pan Incident Command Post. The meeting was well attended by residents who received a briefing from the IC, Operations Chief, the incident Meteorologist and Forest Supervisor.

Overall, yesterday’s rainfall was generally low, with little penetration of the tree canopy in most areas. This allowed the fire to continue to burn under the trees overnight and through the day. A microburst that resulted from yesterday’s storm, toppled and broke trees mid-trunk which subsequently fell on roadways. Firefighters continued working today to clear these roads of this debris in order to keep them open for firefighter use and safety. This result clearly illustrates the hazards to firefighters from these falling trees and is one of the reasons for the tactics that are being used. Weather again influenced firefighter operations around the fire area. Firefighters began the day by continuing snag removal and mop up along the Magruder Road, especially in the area near Deep Creek where the fire has backed down to the south side of the road. They patrolled the fire line from Magruder Road south to Pole Mountain and Forest trail No. 12 on the east side of the fire gridding and looking for any holdover spots as a result of yesterday’s lightning activity. From there the fire line stops, as the fire is in terrain that is too dangerous to move into due to the fire’s location, fuels available to burn and potential for fire spread.A webcam is installed at Hells Half Acre Lookout. When it becomes operational we will post the link here as well as in Inciweb.Magruder road remains closed from Fales Flat campground on the east and Observation Point (Idaho) on the west. Fales Flat campground remains open to the public.Incident status: 346 personnel, three Type 1 crews, three Type 2 crews, seven helicopters, 8 engines, 17,132 acres, cost to date $5.5 million.

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The Salmon River Mountain Press shares news from federal and state natural resource agencies, environmental, conservation and recreation groups in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming. The blog delivers the content one news story at a time.